Srinagar- Police have registered two FIRs and initiated security proceedings against 11 people in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam district for allegedly violating prohibitory orders banning the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), officials said on Saturday.

A police spokesperson said the action was taken to maintain law and order and to prevent the misuse of digital platforms. Following orders issued by the district administration prohibiting VPN usage on security grounds, police carried out verification and technical monitoring across the district.

Between December 29 and January 2, 24 individuals were identified for violating the ban, the spokesperson said. Based on investigation and technical analysis, two FIRs were registered against persons found to have adverse terror-related backgrounds, highlighting the security risks linked to the use of encrypted platforms.

In addition, security proceedings were initiated against 11 individuals aged between 18 and 40 years for non-compliance with the prohibitory orders. The spokesperson said they were bound down under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and later released after due warning.

Police said the action forms part of ongoing efforts to curb activities deemed a threat to public order and security in the district.